Jan. 2010 Public Program Calendar
All exhibitions and programs, unless otherwise indicated, take place at the Smithsonian's Anacostia
Community Museum at 1901 Fort Place S.E., Washington, D.C., which is open daily from 10 am - 5 p.m.
except Dec. 25. For more information, call 202.633.4820, 202.633.1000 or visit anacostia.si.edu for
updated programs schedule.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS - All events are free, open to the public and require reservations which can be
made at 202.633.4844 unless otherwise indicated.
EXHIBITIONS
On View Now
The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present **
Through July 4, 2010
This is a traveling exhibition developed by curators Sagrario Cruz-Carretero and Cesáreo Moreno at the
National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. The exhibition looks at the history, culture, and art of
Afro-Mexicans, and begins in the colonial era and continues to present day. Included in the
presentation is the companion exhibition, "Who Are We Now? Roots, Resistance and Recognition"
curated by Elena Gonzáles. Highlights of the exhibition include "casta" paintings-paintings used to
delineate racial categories and the ever-increasing complexity of racial mixture; discussions of African
slavery in Mexico and the hero/slave rebel Yanga; artifacts related to the traditions and popular culture
of the Afro-Mexicans; and many paintings, masks, photography, and other works of art.
On View Indefinitely
Separate and Unequaled: Black Baseball in the District of Columbia
After a recent successful run at the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., a condensed version of this
popular exhibition is on view at the museum. From Reconstruction to the second half of the 20th
century, baseball -- the great American pastime -- was played in Washington, D.C., on segregated
fields. "Separate and Unequaled" looks at the phenomenal popularity and community draw of this
sport when played by African Americans. Featured are such personalities as Josh Gibson and "Buck"
Leonard, star players of the Negro Leagues' most celebrated team, the Washington Homestead Grays.
The show also highlights community teams that gave rise to the various amateur, collegiate and semi-
pro black baseball teams and leagues.
PUBLIC PROGRAM CALENDAR
MUSIC:
Saturday, January 9 10:00 a.m. Musical Demonstration
Afro-Mexican Instruments
In a hands-on demonstration, music educator Bill Jenkins will discuss the marimba, guiros, and other
traditional Mexican musical instruments of African origin that are played in the Veracruz and Costa
Chica regions. Participants will get to play and sing together using authentic Mexican instruments. This
program is suitable for all ages.
INTRODUCING:
Various Sundays through Sept. 12, 2010 Lecture/Demonstration 11am - 1pm
Rhythm Café
Featured is a lecture and performance jazz series in a café setting that focuses on a specific genre or
time frame within the jazz culture. The two hour program will be led by a guest lecturer providing
historical information during the first hour followed by a musical group performing that music during
the second hour. Visit anacostia.si.edu for updated series schedule.
Sunday, January 10 11:00 a.m. Lecture and Performance
Rhythm Café
Rhythm Café presents an historical discussion and a performance of the rhythms and percussive
sounds of Mexico. Reservations required by Friday, January 8. For reservations, call 202.633.4866.
WORKSHOPS, BOOKS & TALKS:
Saturday, January 16 10 a.m. Discussion and Book Signing
Bury Me Deep: Cemeteries in Washington, D.C.
Did you know that, since the District of Columbia was established in 1790, several hundred cemeteries
have existed in the area? Researcher Paul E. Sluby Sr. shares interesting facts about when and where
these cemeteries were established and what caused most of them to disappear. A book signing for
Bury Me Deep, Sluby's recent publication that includes these and many other fascinating details, will
follow the discussion.
Saturday, January 23 10 a.m. Dance Workshop
Afro-Mexican Dance
Noted Washington, D.C., dancer and choreographer Carol Foster leads a workshop on traditional
dances performed in the Veracruz and Costa Chica regions of Mexico. Families, groups, and individuals
are welcome
Thursday, January 28 7:00 p.m. Discussion and Book Signing
Healing with Herbs and Rituals
Today's holistic health movement has rediscovered the timeless merits of Mexican curanderos (folk
doctors) and their uses of medicinal plants, rituals, and practical advice. Join Eliseo Torres, professor at
the University of New Mexico, for a discussion on traditional Mexican medicines and healing heavily
influenced by the Moors, Judeo-Christians, and Aztecs. The use of everyday items such as lemon, egg,
fire, aromatic oil, and prepared water, keys, candles, brooms, and Trouble Dolls is also discussed. A
book signing of Healing with Herbs and Rituals will follow.
Designated Saturdays through Sept. 18, 2010 - Workshops 10:30 am-2:30 pm
Making Bling!
Bedazzled jewelry designer Kathleen Manning leads a series of seven workshops on creating jewelry
using semi-precious stones including onyx, malachite, lapis, jasper, and fresh water pearls. Participants
will make three pieces of jewelry during each of the sessions. Cost for the first session, including tool
kit, is $100.00. Subsequent sessions are $75.00 each. Space is limited; reservations required. Call
202.633.4866. Visit anacostia.si.edu for updated series schedule.
Saturday, January 30 10:30 a.m. Jewelry Making Workshop
The basics of jewelry wire manipulation for earrings and pendant
Space is limited; reservations needed by January 26.
For reservations, call 202.633.4866 or 202.633.4823.
FILMS
Tuesday, January 12 10:30 a.m. Film Series
Black Georgetown Remembered
Black Georgetown Remembered honors the Washington, D.C., African American community through
recollections of residents who lived through slavery, Jim Crow laws, and inequality. In spite of these
obstacles, they emerged with a rare strength and identity. Robert Hall, head of the Museum's
Education Department, will facilitate the discussion.
REMINDER: Public Programs are free, open to the public and require reservations which can be made
at 202.633.4844 unless otherwise indicated.
SPECIAL PROGRAM: January 21, 2010 7 p.m
The Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum
25th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Program
featuring
Keynote Speaker
Bishop Vashti McKenzie
"Defining Moments: Maximizing Life's Milestones"
Bishop McKenzie is the 117th and 1st female bishop elected and consecrated in the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. The program includes a question-and-answer period and a book signing. This
program is free and open to the public but reservations are required.
Performances by Afro Blue
Howard University's premier jazz ensemble
Baird Auditorium
National Museum of Natural History
10th & Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC
Visit anacostia.si.edu for details
Call 202.633.4875 or email ACMrsvp@ si.edu for reservations
SAVE THE DATE! TRAVEL WITH THE ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY MUSEUM!
The Anacostia Community Museum is proud to present in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, its
first cultural tour initiative:
Word, Shout, and Song: Experiencing South Carolina Gullah Traditions
In the 1930s and 40s, pioneering linguist Dr. Lorenzo Dow Turner (1890-1972) proved through scientific
research and audio recordings that the Gullah language, spoken in the Sea Islands of South Carolina
and Georgia by descendants of African slaves, retained African words and expressions and conveyed
cultural traditions. Come with us to Charleston, Beaufort, and other unique nearby communities to
retrace Turner's expeditions in language and culture in celebration of the Museum's 2010-2011
exhibition, Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Dow Turner Connecting Communities Through Language.
Experience the cultural, culinary, and festive traditions of the Gullah people, and enjoy a variety of
day-tours with a local guide. Participate in special behind-the-scenes activities and tours, and
experience the sights and sounds of the Gullah Festival in Beaufort.
Leading the tour is one of our most experienced Smithsonian scholars, Dr. Gail S. Lowe, the Anacostia
Community Museum's senior historian and project manager for our upcomingLorenzo Dow Turner
exhibition. Gain insight into Turner's work and the continuing connections with communities of the
African Diaspora during exclusive sessions with Dr. Lowe.
Come and experience Gullah history, art, and culture with us. The trip will only accommodate 35
participants, so please call toll-free at 1-877-338-8687, visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org, or click on
the link below for more information. More details on the itinerary are also available on the attached
flyer.
Click here: Gullah Tour
We hope you'll join us on this unforgettable adventure!
** The African Presence in Mexico and Who are we Now? exhibtions were organized by the National
Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago and received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool,
administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center. Exhibition programs and special events are presented
in collaboration with the Smithsonian Latino Center, the National Museum of African Art, the Mexican
Cultural Institute, and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
Do you enjoy the exhibitions, programs and activities we provide? If your answer is yes, please click
below to see how, before the year ends, you can help us do even more!
Click here!
We do appreciate your support!
Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum
1901 Fort Place SE
Washington, District of Columbia 20020
202.633.4820